July 28, 2013

We've all heard that eyes are windows to the soul. So, I've decided that eyebrows are the window dressing to the eyes that are windows to the soul. And as such -- attention must be paid.

I was very lucky in my younger years -- eyebrow wise, though I certainly didn't think so at the time! They were dark, thick, and course and I had to pluck those suckers every damned day -- sometimes twice a day. It seemed the minute I looked away more eyebrow hair appeared to form a unibrow to join my hazel eyes together.

Eyebrow Pencils, Mascara and Powder, Oh My!

I never had to use an eyebrow pencil, much less any sort of special brown eyebrow powder to fill in sparse eyebrows. Nope -- not my problem. When I was little, and my mom would get ready to go out, she'd always have her trusty Maybelline brow pencil in hand and filled in her blonde eyebrows prior to leaving. She may not have worn any other makeup -- but those eyebrows were ALWAYS filled in.

The other day, I was grudgingly getting ready to go out, and I pulled out my makeup. I gave myself a cursory glance as I half-heartedly decided what eyeliner I should wear, when I suddenly noticed my eyebrows -- as if for the first time. Can it be? Were they looking dull? Were they looking not only dull, but a bit sparser (no-way!) and even a little gray?

I couldn't believe this was happening to me! (Doesn't this sound really dramatic, like it should be about the crash of 1929 or something?) I grabbed something I don't think I've ever used in my lifetime. An eyebrow pencil. And, I also grabbed something I've used since 1997, but had seriously slacked off in the past few years -- eyebrow mascara.

Oh, It IS Me!!!!!!!!

After adding these two useful (and always used by my clients because I insist) items, I suddenly looked like me again. Dark brown full and lush eyebrows.

Ladies -- we are a changin', but we can certainly help ourselves along. Doing my eyebrows really made a difference. After all my makeup was on, I looked like me (to me) again and that is the best feeling of all. If all it takes is a little makeup to make yourself feel like you again, I'm all for it! And there is nothing easier than adding a little color to make all the difference.

Don't leave out those "little" things because they are too small to make a difference.

Trust me -- they aren't little, and I LOVED the difference -- because it made me feel like I really hadn't changed that much (looks wise) and I felt the same way I used to feel.

So, dust off those window dressings -- you'll love feeling like you again -- even if only in your eyebrows! I'll take feeling like me again wherever I can find it! (And yes -- I did pluck those gray/white ones and got rid of them.)

I used YSL's Eyebrow Pencil in #2. Great color, and I like the spoolie at the opposite end for grooming. YSL is available at most high end department stores. I bought mine at Nordstrom.

I used Paula's Choice Brow/Hair Tint in Sable. She has other color options as well. Paula's Choice is available online at http://www.paulaschoice.com.

April 10, 2013

Yep - a blog post about MAC. My first blog post about it - but I'm sure it will hardly be my last.

Actually, I'm not writing about the MAC line of products, but I am writing about their Customer Service. Specifically, the Customer Service at the standalone MAC store at the Hillsdale Mall (San Mateo, CA).

Since MAC's inception back in the 80's it quicly became a fan sensation and a media darling - so to speak. The SA's all wore black, and had that slightly (to be honest NOT slightly) but a very haughty attitude as if we mere mortals in the non makeup world - we mere buyers were so below them it was if they weren't certain if they could speak to us without sneering.

After one to many off-putting SA's, I decided not to use the line - as delightful as the colors and product might or might not have been.

Fast forward to now.

In the years that I've been a makeup artist, it is almost impossible to avoid the MAC line - for a variety of reasons, outstanding color choices and a wide variety of everything you could possibly want. MAC is a very visible and popular line with the general public and professional alike.

Enter the standalone MAC store at Hillsdale. I walked in with a great deal of trepidation. To my surprise, every single one of the SA's were friendly, helpful and most of all, knowledgable. They looked right AT me - no looking around for someone younger or hipper. They talked to me, advised me and were friendly and kind.

Honestly, I was taken aback. Could it be possible that MAC just got a very bad rap - and I felt the negativity and kept away?

Which brings me to the wonderful Natalia. Natalia is not only knowledgable - she is friendly and kind - and as I said, she knows her stuff. She won't push you to purchase anything you do not need, or wouldn't enhance you. She is so accomplished that even I - ever on the watch for customer service and product knowledge - knew at once she wasn't just trying to sell me, she was listening and asking the right questions.

While I was browsing, I saw her at work on a customer and saw first hand her outstanding application of the products. Her sharp eye was very apparant, manner friendly, and her ability was impeccable.

I am very careful with my clients. If I cannot be with them when they are shopping, I want to guide them to not only the very best makeup for them, but I want them to be able to walk up to a beauty counter secure in the knowledge that the SA will not only assist them, but won't push them to buy something uunnecessarily, and won't talk down to them - especially when you can be dealing with the 40 + woman. (We have enough on our plates without a young and beautiful SA looking down on us, or worse, TALKING down TO us.)

It is so comforting to know that I needn't be worried when my clients shop without me. Every client I've sent to the Hillsdale MAC store has called me with wonderful compliments about the service they received. No exceptions. All 100% delighted. (That ain't easy to do these days!)

So maybe MAC Customer Service got a bad rap years ago, or maybe I had run into some not very good SA's in the past. But now, with the professionals like Natalia and her fellow associates at the Hillsdale Standalone MAC store-that rap is undeserved.

March 25, 2013

By way of an explanation (and more than a year and 3 months between posts deserves SOME sort of explanation) I have migraines. Not just migraines, but MIGRAINES. Chronic and ugly.

Since I devoted last year (and some of the year before to bitterness) I'm once again trying to join the living, and will continue my blog, and hopefully get on some kind of schedule.

Just asked some of my past brides and other theatrical and medical clients to send me their pictures, which I soon hope to post and will be updating my page as pain permits.

I have been quietly consulting with some theatre groups and some medical groups, and have continued to purchase and review makeup-just been unable to write about it - which, when you think about it, doesn't serve the blogging world, now does it?

July 04, 2011

I know I've written about Laura Mercier's makeup before. But it is so worth writing about again.

Since I blog about makeup, there are very few lines I've not tried, played with, had crushes on, felt I was in love with - only to have to break up with them soon after we met. *cue violins*

Not so with Laura Mercier's makeup. I've strayed - it's my job. But, I always come back. I come back to her wonderful Kohl Liners (Black Violet - I cannot deny you!) and I truly cannot live without my favorite eyeshadow of all time, "Morning Dew" (hint to Laura - please, please NEVER let me see this on the Au Revoir list!)

Her newest collection is coming out, and I've already made my list. The Canyon Collection - check it out! Look at the blush or Cheek Melange as it is called? Oh my - I MUST have this!

In addition to the lovely color stories, Laura is my staple - I always come back to her eyeshadows - they simply just work. I use them on myself, I use them on my clients - I might start using them on strangers on the street if I didn't think that someone would call people that would speak to me gently!

Invisible Loose Setting Powder

My newest crush is on her new light and airy powder with the fan brush. (The real name is Invisible Loose Setting Powder, but I like my description!) Instant attraction - love at first sight. I tried it on myself (of course - that's what any makeup artist does first) and then I tried it on my clients - only to see their tail lights zooming down the street to go and get some for themselves. (Note to clients - could you at least say "bye!" before you go? Manners, ladies, manners!)

If you haven't checked out her collection recently - do yourself a favor, and drop by the counter and let a Laura Mercier artist work his or her magic on you.

We all need a little magic - and what better place than the Laura Mercier makeup counter?

March 21, 2011

It's been another long while in-between postings, but my chronic migraines don't really seem inclined to be leaving any time soon, so while I send a pox to my migraines, I'm tapping at the keyboard once again.

Off-Broadway Brands

Many of us in the field of makeup know the regular brand names you see in department stores, as well as the pro-lines that are off the beaten path. Myself - I LOVE makeup lines that are off the beaten path - I love discovering new products and techniques. New to me perhaps - but many of these (what I call) off broadway brands have been around longer than I have, which always makes me happy!

Eve Pearl- The Book

Eve Pearl. Know that name? Heard that name? I happened upon Eve Pearls book "Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery" a few years back. I believe I had heard about her from "The View". Who can resist such a title? Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery? Nice. I'm all for no surgery.

This book truly is wonderful. I purchased it back in 2004 when it was released, and constantly referring to it as a skill refresher and guide.

Eve Pearl - The Concealer

A key product that Eve Pearl is known for is her salmon concealer. I FINALLY got my hands on the concealer a couple of months ago and it is outstanding. So outstanding, I was enthusiastically showing a client, and ended up giving her mine. (A client and a friend - she had a new job and wanted to look her best!)

This concealer is amazing, truly amazing. I purchased mine in "Light" and it is creamy and delightful, and does the job a concealer is SUPPOSED to do. My old undereyes (which will celebrate their 50'th birthday very soon) look spectacular.

Eve Pearl - the Makeup Line

I'm so sold on this line, that I just recently (last week) made a purchase of some staples to put into my kit. I can't wait to try out everything in this line, because if the concealer is any indication, I've entered into HG (holy grail) territory when it comes to product.

So - bottom line - check out this book, and check out her concealer. Read it - study it - refer to it. She covers everything in a very easy to understand and well illustrated way. I know you'll want to try this concealer once you've read the book. I've already given one away, so check out her site: http://www.evepearl.com

February 13, 2010

I was told about this line by a new friend I met at the MAC store, but had never heard about it before. Nope - not in ANY of the multiple makeup/fashion/celeb culture magazines or sites that I had read or visited. That alone fascinated me. I mean, since I peruse hundreds of makeup sites as one of the many things I do for a living, (and for a hobby) you'd think I would have at least HEARD about it.

I was simply buying makeup (gee - I hope you were sitting down - buying makeup is something I almost NEVER do!) and another makeup junkie was in the store and began telling me about the line.

Of course, I was immediately fascinated. Suddenly, I'm seeing articles about Illamasqua, seeing Sephora advertisements about it and soon it was available at Sephora. But only in the Sephora on Powell Street in San Francisco.

Being in a Sephora (as you well know) is a dangerous thing. Especially dangerous when there is a long awaited makeup line just sitting there - staring at me - no DARING me to try it. I don't generally go to the Powell Streets store and since Illamasqua isn't sold anywhere on the Peninsula, being the good makeup junkie that I am, I immediately purchased the liquid foundation, an eyeshadow, two blushes and a lipstick.

Many times, I will savor the makeup once I get it home. Look at the box, study ingredients, take note of the packaging and generally enjoy the experience, even as I take notes for my clients.

This time, I went for it. Opened every box that I purchased anxious to see, smell and study the texture.

Just Say Yes to Illamasqua

Impressed - very impressed. So much so that I immediately placed an online order for the pressed powder foundation in two different colors. (They were out of the cream to powder in my color.)

The liquid foundation is like nothing I've tried before - and believe me, there are very few foundations that I've not tried! (Again - hope you are sitting down!) The color was perfect - the texture was very thick and creamy - meaning a little dab will do you! With this type of texture, you want to make sure your skin is well moisturized, not only with a moisturizer, but also with a primer. Or, you can do what I do..add a little moisturizer to the foundation, mix in your hand and you are ready to go.

I'm still a makeup sponge user - though I also have and use foundation brushes on clients. I had no problem with the foundation coverage - it did what I want foundation to do - made me look like me,only better. The color was a good match, and it felt nice on my face. Even though the foundation is very rich, it didn't feel heavy.

I can also see this being used in theatrical makeup - and I've already begun to calculate how much purchasing all the foundations might cost!

March 29, 2009

Brides are anxiously getting ready for their late Spring, early Summer nuptials, and starting to meet and preview makeup artists, and having dry runs for their big day.

Here's how I feel about makeup and the bride. Keep it real. Keep it natural. This is the picture in time of your special day, and 20 years from now, it might not be a beautiful site to see heavily black fringed eyes with dramatic false eyelashes, and chiseled contoured cheeks, or nude lips, or whatever the latest beauty trend might be. Go for classic,not trendy.

You want to be you - only a little softly defined. But, still you. Not a made up Barbie Doll, because believe me, as quickly as makeup styles come and go, that particular Barbie Doll might not be the one you want to remember.

A little more definition on the eyes, a touch deeper on the the cheek and lip, because after all, it is a special occasion.

Even if your wedding is black tie, you still want to look back on your pictures and think, "Wow! I really looked pretty that day." Not, "Oh my god, what was I THINKING?"